See what the stars and creative team have to say about presenting the musical to TV viewers around the world.

Fox celebrates the holiday season this weekend with A Christmas Story Live!, airing December 17. The musical adaptation of the classic film marked Tony- and Oscar-winning composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s Broadway debuts in 2012, but now, the show hits the screen with a cast of stage and TV favorites, a full studio set, and new material.

Andy Walken
Tommy Garcia / FOX

“As you can tell, it’s massive,” Scott Ellis says in the video above. Freed from the proscenium, the musical now unfolds in a variety of locations across the Warner Brothers lot, including outdoor courtyards, multiple houses, department stores, and surprise fantasy cutaways.

“I feel like we’re at school,” says Paul. “We’re learning a whole new set of skills and terminology…it’s really exciting to watch.”

While the two songwriters—and some cast members (including SNL alum Maya Rudolph and Tony winner Jane Krakowski)—are new to the live TV musical format, some stars are stepping into the spotlight with one already under their belt.

“It’s a really fun ride when you’re on it,” assures Ana Gasteyer, who plays Mrs. Schultz after appearing in Fox’s Grease Live! last year. “It’s like Disney or something…it starts, there’s terror, and you don’t know what’s going to happen. And then you let go, and it’s a great, great night.”

The team hopes the presentation will appeal to both die-hard fans of the original movie and viewers simply looking for a new holiday tradition. “The music in this is so beautiful and so uplifting and so heartwarming,” says Chris Diamantopoulos, who takes on the role of Ralphie’s dad. “I think they’re in for a real treat.”

Check Out the Latest Photos of Maya Rudolph, Ana Gasteyer, and More in A Christmas Story Live

Check Out the Latest Photos of Maya Rudolph, Ana Gasteyer, and More in A Christmas Story Live

This season’s live musical television event is coming to Fox December 17.